Lullaby for the King
An awe-inspiring Christmas tale from multi-award-winning poet Nikki Grimes.
The caravan traveled through wilderness, uphill and down, for hours that spun into days.
Then at last, glittering diamond-bright, Bethlehem appeared through the haze.
With glittering poetry and stunning watercolor artwork, Lullaby for the King ushers readers into the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Animals from across the ancient Palestinian landscape lumber, gambol, crawl, fly, and parade toward Bethlehem with gifts worthy of the newborn King. Rare ebony wood, a finely tuned harp, mustard and saffron, a zither, apricot cakes, and other treasures are carried to the manger. The animals bow low and join the music of the angels in a welcoming lullaby.
New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Michelle Carlos bring together a captivating tale of awe, wonder, and imagination that is sure to become a holiday classic.
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Michelle Carlos is a Filipina illustrator based in Germany. Her art is largely informed by her lucid dreams, childhood memories, and global perspective based on her life abroad and travels with her husband. On Christmases away from her birthplace, Michelle makes traditional lanterns while singing carols and drinking warm tea.
"Grimes imagines in reverent, distinctive verse a lengthy caravan of creatures bearing gifts for the Bethlehem-born babe--'the Holy One' ... Carlos uses greens, pinks, and purples in engaging, saturated art, en route to a moving stable denouement featuring a lullaby sung by attendant angels." --Publishers Weekly
"Grimes and Carlos' take on the birth of Jesus celebrates the majesty and diversity of the natural world. Grimes' lush verse is brought to life by Carlos' vibrant, ornate art, which depicts the fancifully colored animals striking dynamic poses and carrying sumptuous gifts. Text and visuals strike a wonderful balance between whimsy and solemnity. . . . Masterful prose and exquisite images combine for an unforgettable Nativity retelling." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"Readers of all ages will be drawn in by the exotic creatures and vibrant colors that enhance this lovely tale. The illustrations in this beautiful book are sumptuous. While it is certainly a soothing visual treat for bedtime, the story also offers amazing vocabulary-building opportunities for growing readers. . . . Another winner by Grimes that is sure to become a new classic." --School Library Journal
"Readers ages four to eight will find their sense of reverence awakened and deepened by this story and song." --Spirituality and Practice
